haiti donation drive_20101218_7.jpgOn December 18th and 19th, 13 Campus Chapters (CCs: Habitat Japan's student support groups) hosted the nationwide donation drive.
About 300 young volunteers split into 14 locations across the country, Chiba to Oita prefectures. In hopes to raise awareness and funds for earthquake recovery in Haiti, the participating students bowed and talked to the passer-bys for two days; and resulted in about 1 million yen (approx.US$12,000) raised in just two days.
One of the leaders of this event was Mr. Yuta Taka of Kwansei Gakuin University Uegahara Habitat CC in Kobe. He said "A year has passed since the earthquake and the people have started to forget that it happened. We organized this drive hoping to bring back the public interest in the matter. When I was on the streets, I actually felt that many people were reminded of the tragedy that Happened to the people in Haiti."
Back in January 1995, Kobe city where Yuta is studying had experienced the massive earthquake. Thanks to the aids received nationally and internationally, the city seems to be restored now. Though it has been 16 years, the memory is still fresh for those who survived. "Haiti maybe on the other side of the earth, there must be something we can do in Japan." The young volunteers came together to preserve the spirit of coexistence.



【Images】Each groups had their own unique tactics for the fundraising. Children to the travelers who happen to walk by, many people cheered for the students standing outside in cold and provided their share of contributions. Some OB/OG made surprise visits as well.
◆Participating Organizations (Locations)
【Kansai Area】
・ Kyoto University of Foreign Studies CC (Arashiyama, Kyoto)
・ Doshisha University CC (Kawaramachi, Kyoto)
・ Ritsumeikan University Kinugasa Campus CC (Kiyomizudera, Kyoto)
・ Kwansei Gakuin University Uegahara Campus CClub (Nishinomiya Kitaguchi and Nishinomiya Stations)
・ Kwansei Gakuin University Sanda Campus CClub (Daimaru in Motomachi, Kobe)
・ Kansai University CClub (Umeda, Osaka)
・ Kobe City University of Foreign Studies CClub (Daimaru in Motomachi, Kobe)
・ Ritsumeikan University Biwako Kusatsu Campus CClub (PARCO in Otsu, Shiga)
【Kanto Area】
・ Kanda University of Foreign Studies CC (Maihama Station)）
・ Waseta University CC (Takadanobaba Station)
・ Tama University CClub (Tama Center Station)
・ Chuo University CClub (Tama Center Station)
【Kyushu Area】
・ Ritumeikan Asia Pacific University CC (Beppu Station)
　　
◆Related Articles
・ Habitat Japan to Raise Funds for Haiti Quake Reliefs
・ [Haiti-11] 10 Months After: Pathways to Performance
・ Habitat Japan's Youth Programs